There is no reigning ‘queen’ in the modern era. But we do have a new manifestation of it, the Miss World pageant. The crown is awarded to the most beautiful and talented women in the world. Every year, hundreds of women compete for this title across the globe, and the one with most gorgeous and stunning looks with undefeated talent will be crowned Queen!
Are you curious to know more about their personal life and lifestyle? If yes, let us find out unknown facts about these women who have won the Miss World contest in the present century as they stood tall as an inspiration for many other young women. Let’s take a look!
20 Iconic Miss World Victors: Names and Pics (2024)
Which country has the most Miss World winners in this century (2001-2024)? Which is the country that created new records in this contest? Let us find out!
Current Miss World 2023 : Krystyna Pyszkova
Krystyna Pyszková, from the Czech Republic, won Miss World 2023. She was crowned on March 9, 2024. Krystyna previously held the title of Miss Czech Republic 2022. She is admired for her grace and dedication to social causes. Krystyna’s win makes her a source of inspiration worldwide. She aims to use her platform for positive change.
1. Karolina Bielawska, 2021:
Miss Polonia 2019 winner Karolina Bielawska was crowned Miss World 2021 on 16 December 2021 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She became Poland’s second Miss World winner after Aneta Kreglicka in 1989. She is a TV presenter, model, loves travelling, and enjoys swimming and scuba diving. Apart from this, she also volunteers in social campaigns about breast cancer awareness. Her motto is, ‘Greatness is measured by courage and heart.’
- Name: Karolina Bielawska
- Year of winning: 2021
- Date of Birth: 1999
- Age during win: 22
- Profession: Model
- Country of Origin: Poland
- Host Place and venue: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(Note: 2020 no pageant held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the next international beauty pageant will be held on December 16, 2021.)
2. Toni-Ann Singh, 2019:
Jamaica has witnessed a new historical moment when Toni-Ann Singh was announced as Miss World 2019 winner. She is the fourth woman Miss World beauty queen from the country to win the crown. The dark-skinned beauty has set the record straight despite the racism and stereotypes prevailing based on color. Toni’s distinguishing facial features make her look unique and beautiful in her own way. We are bowled over by this new beauty queen.
- Name: Toni-Ann Singh
- Year of winning: 2019
- Date of Birth: 1996
- Age during win: 23
- Profession: Model
- Country of Origin: Jamaica
- Host Place and venue: London, United Kingdom
3. Vanessa Ponce de Leon, 2018:
Vannesa, a model from Mexico, who won the Miss World contest in the past year, is the first beauty from Mexico to be crowned Miss World, Vannesa proudly flaunts her gorgeous looks with her exceptional talent. The present world beauty queen is not just about her looks; she is much more! Vannesa extensively campaigns for girl children with disabilities.
- Name: Vanessa Ponce de León
- Date of birth: 7th March 1992
- Age during win: 26
- Profession: Model
- Country of origin: Mexico
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
4. Manushi Chillar, 2017:
On a fine day of November 2017, the most awaited win for India had come when Manushi Chillar was crowned as Miss World winner. India has become the country with the most number of Miss World winners with her victory. She has become an identity for India and represented the country proudly in not just her beauty, but also in events for a social cause. Presently a student of medicine, Manushi works on behalf of women’s welfare and menstrual hygiene in rural India.
- Name: Manushi Chillar
- Date of birth:14th May 1997
- Age during win: 20
- Profession: Student of Medicine
- Country of origin: India
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
5. Stephanie Del Valle, 2016:
Most of us knew about Puerto Rico when Stephanie Del Valle was crowned the winner in Miss World contest winner in 2016. The stunning beauty with exceptional abilities is what defines her persona. Stephanie is still fondly remembered both for her personality in addition to her witty answers and spontaneous attitude during the competition. She is a popular musician too!
- Name: Stephanie Del Valle
- Date of birth:30th December 1996
- Age during win: 20
- Profession: Student of Law and Communication
- Country of origin: Puerto Rico
- Host place and venue: Washington, US
6. Mireia Lalaguna, 2015:
This blonde-haired beauty, Mireia Lalaguna,is the first Miss World from Spain. Mireia is is known for her hot looks and infectious smile and looks no less than a princess in fairy tales. She is a model by profession shot up to popularity through the Miss World competition and has left an unforgettable impression since then.
- Name: Mireia Lalaguna
- Date of birth:21st November 1992
- Age during win: 23
- Profession: Model
- Country of origin: Spain
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
7. Rolene Strauss, 2014:
This South African woman has won the beauty pageant in 2014 and has proved her mettle, succeeding against racism. Her wavy hair, bold and beautiful eyes, and intense looks are what made her stand out, besides her helpful nature and easy to approach attitude. She excelled in modelling career from her younger days and also ran the Strauss foundation committed to bringing in health and wellbeing to society.
- Name: Rolene Strauss
- Date of birth:22nd April 1992
- Age during win: 22
- Profession: Model
- Country of origin: South Africa
- Host place and venue: London, UK
8. Megan Young, 2013:
US may be popular for its beautiful women and modelling career, but did you know there aren’t many women from this country to win Miss World title? This Filipino-American woman has emerged as Miss World 2013 winner and is the first Filipina to win the contest. The black shiny, and wavy-haired beauty with intense looks is a striking feature for her beauty. Not just for her looks, this oval-shaped faced beauty is also known for her relief work and social service during the typhoon in the Philippines states.
- Name: Megan Young
- Date of birth:27th February 1990
- Age during win: 23
- Profession: Actress and host
- Country of origin: United States
- Host place and venue: Nusa Dua, Indonesia
9. Yu Wenxia from China, 2012:
The second Chinese beauty to win the title, Wenxia’stiny eyes and beautiful black wavy hair was the talk of the town during the contest. Besides her looks, she is a famous singer and is known for her talent in folk singing. Now a proclaimed actress, she is also a good student and is associated with Harvard University.
- Name: Yu Wenxia from China
- Date of birth:6th August 1989
- Age during win: 23
- Profession: Actor and singer
- Country of origin: Shangzhi, China
- Host place and venue: Ordos, China
10. Ivian Sarcos, 2011:
Besides India, Venezuela also has an equal number of title winners in the contest. Ivian from this country is a confident, self-made woman with down to earth attitude. Popular for her simplicity and resilience, she attributed these characteristics to the nuns who raised her as an orphan. Gradually, the cat-eyed beauty has paved her way into the beauty industry and captured our hearts with her stunning looks and talent.
- Name: Ivian Sarcos
- Date of birth:26th July 1989
- Age during win: 22
- Profession: Model
- Country of origin: Venezuela
- Host place and venue: London, UK
11. Alexandra Mills, 2010:
Alexandra Mills was the third woman from the US who was crowned Miss World. Known for her dark blue eyes, Alexandra looks quite graceful with babyish soft skin and unique facial features. Her youthful skin and radiant looks captivate us quite a bit! Also a photographer by hobby, Alexandra is a good singer and is a famous TV host at present.
- Name: Alexandra Mills
- Date of birth:26th February 1992
- Age during win: 18
- Profession: Model and host
- Country of origin: United States
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
12. Kaiane Aldorino, 2009:
Ever heard of Gibraltar? This British overseas territory has entered the scenario of beauty with Kaiane Aldorino winning the most coveted title. Besides her beautiful black hair and striking eyes, Kaiane is a renowned dancer and is also known for her orating skills. Her infectious smile can take down on anyone. She is quite active in politics and has held the Mayor of Gilbrator position.
- Name: Kaiane Aldorino
- Date of birth:8th July 1986
- Age during win: 23
- Profession: Mayor of Gibraltar
- Country of origin: Gibraltar
- Host place and venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
13. Ksenia Sukhinova, 2008:
Russia has accomplished the popular beauty pageant second time in history with Ksenia’s win. She is known for her blonde hair and blue eyes, Ksenia personifies kindness and grace. Wavy hair, fuller cheeks, and wide smile are her distinguishing features. She is also famous for her swimming skills and is presently a TV host and one of the most sought after models!
- Name: Ksenia Sukhinova
- Date of birth: 26th August 1987
- Age during win: 21
- Profession: Model
- Country of origin: Russia
- Host place and venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
14. Zhang Zilin, 2007:
Do you know, Zhang Zilin is the first-ever woman from China to win the Miss World title? Sportswoman by profession, Zilinwas also was the winner of Beijing City Youth Games before entering the beauty industry. Her athletic body and curves are what defines her, besides the youthful face and radiant smile. She has also begun a career in singing and has proven her mettle in that field too.
- Name: Zhang Zilin
- Date of birth: 22nd March 1984
- Age during win: 23
- Profession: Actress and singer
- Country of origin: China
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
15. Tatana Kucharova, 2006:
Czechoslovakia has a set a world record when this blonde beauty became the first woman from the nation to win the Miss World title. Her unusual yet attractive green eyes speak a thousand words for itself! With her jaw-dropping and mesmerizing beauty, she spreads charm like magic. Besides her beauty, she is a global influencer icon and was elected as Global Women Leader of WNYLE in 2013.
- Name: Tatana Kucharova
- Date of birth: 23rd December 1987
- Age during win: 19
- Profession: Actor and model
- Country of origin: Czechoslovakia
- Host place and venue: Poland
16. Unnur Birna Viljálmsdóttir, 2005:
This Iceland beauty, UnnurBirna, is not just famous for her gorgeous looks, but also her graceful beauty, pleasing attitude, and intelligent answers. Unnur truly iconizes ‘beauty with brains’ with her well-read personality and witty traits. Besides her modeling career, she is a lawyer and anthropologist, and also a police officer. She excels in all her professions equally.
- Name: Unnur Birna Viljálmsdóttir
- Date of birth:25th May 1984
- Age during win: 21
- Profession: Model, actress, lawyer, and TV personality
- Country of origin: Iceland
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
17. María Julia Mantilla, 2004:
María has become the second winner ever for Peru in Miss World contest. Initially a teacher and later an athlete, María entered the acting and modelling industry and eventually became the most sought after icon in movies. Besides her talent, Maríais known for her role as an activist fighting for children’s hunger in poor and rural areas in Trujillo (Peru). Isn’t she simply wonderful?
- Name: María Julia Mantilla
- Date of birth:10th July 1984
- Age during win: 20
- Profession: Actress, model, and dancer
- Country of origin: Peru
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
18. Rosanna Davison, 2003:
Rosanna is a popular singer from Ireland who later won Miss World with her gorgeous looks and charming smile. Her blonde hair and hazel eyes were the center of attraction! She is a polymath! Although singing runs in her family, this beauty has excelled in it and proved herself in the writing field. She is currently an author, actor, singer, and model. Wow, she has left everyone stunned by this beauty and talent!
- Name: Rosanna Davison
- Date of birth: 17th April 1984
- Age during win: 19
- Profession: Actress, singer, model, writer
- Country of origin: Ireland
- Host place and venue: Sanya, China
19. Azra Akin, 2002:
Although residing in the Netherlands, Azra Akin is a Turkish-Dutch actress and model. Popular for her sharp facial features and wavy black hair, Akin was first known to be an elite model of Turkey. She has excelled in her modelling career and represented Turkey in this beauty contest. With her beauty and enthralling appearance, she has carved a niche for herself as a popular idol on TV and reality shows.
- Name: Azra Akin
- Date of birth: 9th December 1981
- Age during win: 21
- Profession: Actress and model
- Country of origin: Netherlands and Turkey
- Host place and venue: London, UK
20. Agbani Darego, 2001:
Agbani is the first native African who has won the title of Miss World competition. The Nigerian model with dark skin tone is quite striking with her features and approach. Her straightforward nature is truly an inspiration for many of us. This self-made woman has seized our hearts with her down-to-earth and simple attitude. It was through hardships and talent that she achieved success in modelling career. We are quite amazed by her abilities!
- Name: Agbani Darego
- Date of birth: 22nd December 1982
- Age during win: 19
- Profession: Model
- Country of origin: Nigeria
- Host place and venue: Sun City, South Africa
The Miss World winners and competition have shown that is not all just about beauty but also about women who are exceptionally talented. They are the global beauty icons in this century. With their looks, abilities, and features, they are an inspiration for the younger generation women who dream high! Who your favourite beauty queen is, and why? Please share your thoughts with us!
